Angus Taylor has unveiled a plan to index income tax brackets to inflation, setting the stage for the next election by framing Labor as a party of tax increases. In his budget reply speech, he promised to tackle bracket creep and invest commodity windfalls into a fund for future generations to reduce debt. He also proposed restricting welfare payments, including JobSeeker, the age pension, and disability support, to Australian citizens only.
Coles Faces Potential Record Fines
Coles is at risk of fines exceeding $200 million after a landmark Federal Court loss, which two former competition watchdog chiefs say could signal the end of "fake discounts." The supermarket giant was found to have misled consumers about discount claims, prompting calls for severe penalties.
UK Politics in Turmoil
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has resigned from the cabinet and called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down, potentially triggering a leadership challenge. However, he faces competition from Andy Burnham, who is planning a return to parliament. This comes amid broader instability in UK Labour politics.
International Developments
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned of potential clashes with the US over Taiwan during a meeting with Donald Trump in Beijing. Meanwhile, Latvia's Prime Minister resigned after her government mishandled Ukrainian drones straying into Latvian territory, collapsing the coalition government months before elections. In the Philippines, a lawmaker wanted by the International Criminal Court for his role in Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drugs crackdown fled the Senate to avoid arrest.
Other Australian News
A University of Melbourne academic denied collaborating with Iran's parliament speaker on research, claiming he was listed as an author without his knowledge. A bus rollover on a dangerous Australian road left one dead and two critically injured. Four Australian citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship, linked to a hantavirus outbreak, are returning to Perth after the government secured an aircraft for their journey.
Sports and Culture
New South Wales won the women's State of Origin rugby league title with a 14-10 victory over Queensland. Jannik Sinner reached the Italian Open semi-finals, breaking Novak Djokovic's record for consecutive Masters 1000 wins. Cam Smith made a strong start at the US PGA Championship. In music, Genesis Owusu's third album receives a five-star review for its energetic and angry tracks.
Support for One Nation has surged past Labor in the first major post-budget poll. Meteorologists explained Hobart's "Bridgewater Jerry" fog phenomenon. A full court appeal judgment is expected in Sydney over a live export cattle ban class action.
